Archive 2009 · Honey bee shlurp time
p.1 #1Honey bee shlurp time
Did my normal trick of spraying some camelia leaves with honey sugar mix to see what was about. Got the normal hoverflies and flies but unusually also got a honey bee (don't often see these in the garden).
Brian v.
Brian v.
Oct 13, 2009 at 01:32 AM
p.1 #2Honey bee shlurp time
Excellent set Brian -love the low angles 
At one time I didn't shoot honeybees cause I didn't think they were all that interesting, and now they're one of my favorite subjects
You must have a hive within six kilometers of your house (that's their typical flight radius when foraging). Maybe a local beekeeper has brought their hives back home for the winter and they are still out foraging.
At one time I didn't shoot honeybees cause I didn't think they were all that interesting, and now they're one of my favorite subjects
You must have a hive within six kilometers of your house (that's their typical flight radius when foraging). Maybe a local beekeeper has brought their hives back home for the winter and they are still out foraging.Oct 13, 2009 at 01:58 AM
p.1 #3Honey bee shlurp time
Thanks John .
I think there are some bee-keepers in the town but would guess I'm at the edge of their range. I see far more bumble bees and solitary bees than honey bees.
Keep on meaning to visit my brother with camera- he has a share in some bee-hives.
Brian V.
I think there are some bee-keepers in the town but would guess I'm at the edge of their range. I see far more bumble bees and solitary bees than honey bees.
Keep on meaning to visit my brother with camera- he has a share in some bee-hives.
Brian V.
Oct 13, 2009 at 02:03 AM
p.1 #4Honey bee shlurp time
If the temps are in the teens C then you might have to wait until next year -most beekeepers will only open their hives when it's cold for short inspections, and won't pull out comb for you to photograph unless it's warm (mid 20s). I kinda blew my chance to shoot a hive this year cause I waited too long and now the temps are dropping (17C high today).
If you do shoot comb stand at least 10 to 15 meters away from the hive and ask the beekeeper to bring the comb to you -honeybees are usually docile as long as you're not close to the hive. Also ask the "beek" to smoke the hive to calm the girls down for you. If you have a cell phone then turn it off (the bees will alert on you if it rings). Wear white since dark colors will make you resemble a predator (raccoon, bear, etc.). I don't use any protective gear, but I'm also not allergic to the stings...
If you do shoot comb stand at least 10 to 15 meters away from the hive and ask the beekeeper to bring the comb to you -honeybees are usually docile as long as you're not close to the hive. Also ask the "beek" to smoke the hive to calm the girls down for you. If you have a cell phone then turn it off (the bees will alert on you if it rings). Wear white since dark colors will make you resemble a predator (raccoon, bear, etc.). I don't use any protective gear, but I'm also not allergic to the stings...
Oct 13, 2009 at 02:11 AM
p.1 #6Honey bee shlurp time
Thanks Michael for looking and commenting and John for the useful tips
Brian v.
Brian v.
Oct 13, 2009 at 07:55 AM